Is it toxic to dogs?
Lily of the valley
Convallaria majalis · Asparagaceae
Also called May bells, Our Lady's tears
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Severe
Yes. Lily of the valley is toxic to dogs, and all of it contains cardiac glycosides that can slow and disturb the heartbeat. Call a vet right away if your dog eats any.
- Toxic parts
- Leaves, flowers and rhizome (underground stem), Water from a vase that held the flowers
- Toxic compounds
- Cardenolides (cardiac glycosides such as convallarin and convallatoxin)
- Where you’ll find it
- Garden
Signs of poisoning
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Disorientation
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death in severe cases
Why it’s harmful to dogs
Lily of the valley is a low, spreading spring plant with broad paired leaves and arching stems of small, white, bell-shaped, fragrant flowers. It is not a true lily, and it spreads freely in shady beds, where dogs can reach it easily.
The plant contains cardiac glycosides (cardenolides) and irritant saponins. Pet Poison Helpline says dogs often vomit and lose their appetite, and some go on to develop heart rate and rhythm changes, weakness and seizures. Merck Veterinary Manual lists the leaves, flowers, rhizome and even vase water as toxic, and notes that the poisoning can be fatal.
An ASPCA article says lily of the valley can cause serious poisonings, unlike peace lilies, which mostly irritate the mouth. It is a good reason to learn which lily is which.
If your dog ate lily of the valley
Move your dog away from the plant and call for help immediately, even if your dog looks normal. Phone your vet or an emergency clinic now, and let a poison helpline guide you from there. US owners can reach ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply); elsewhere, call your local emergency vet. Don't induce vomiting at home.
Bring a sample or a photo, and tell the vet whether your dog drank vase water as well. Merck describes treatment that includes ECG and potassium monitoring, because cardiac glycosides can disturb heart rhythm and electrolytes.
Watch for vomiting, weakness or collapse on the way, and tell the clinic before you arrive.
Keeping your dog safe
Fence off lily of the valley beds or remove the plant from yards where a dog plays. It spreads by underground stems, so pull out stray shoots and bag the clippings. Skip it in bouquets, and keep any vase well out of reach.
Teach a reliable "leave it" and supervise puppies and chewers in spring, when the plant is in bloom. Boston fern and camellias are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs and thrive in similar shady spots.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is lily of the valley poisonous to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs, and Pet Poison Helpline says its cardiac toxins can cause vomiting and serious heart problems.
Is the water from a vase of lily of the valley dangerous?
Yes. Merck Veterinary Manual lists the water that cut flowers have stood in among the toxic sources, so keep vases out of reach and pour the water away where your dog can't drink it.
Is lily of the valley a true lily?
No. Despite the name, it belongs to a different group of plants. True lilies and daylilies are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs, but lily of the valley is not.
Is a little bit dangerous?
It can be, because the toxin acts on the heart. Call your vet or a poison helpline instead of waiting for signs.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy